Sky journalist sheds light on ‘terrible’ period for Milan and planning for the future

I’ve been following AC Milan from abroad for over 60 years – since the days of Cesare Maldini and Gianni Rivera. Then the Rossoneri were serious protagonists at the highest levels in Europe, and of course later, in the Berlusconi era of the late 80s, early 90s, and the mid-noughties, they ruled the world. AC Milan epitomized Italian footballing genius, power, and class. Supplemented by brilliant players from other countries, they were aristocrats of the beautiful game – garnering the admiration of fans all over the world. I’m afraid the Rossoneri have now become a pale shadow of their former selves. I respect Gerry Cardinale – a man of great intelligence and financial acumen – but until he addresses the fundamental cause of AC Milan’s decline – the huge and growing disparity in TV rights revenues between the EPL and other European leagues – the Rossoneri are unlikely ever again to dine at Europe’s top table. Instead, Serie A – once hailed as the “world league” – will cement its status as a retirement village for fading stars, and a nursery for emerging talent that’s to be eventually funneled to the EPL; and AC Milan (and other Italian clubs) will forever play second or third fiddle in the Champions League. I’ve said many times before on this platform that the solution to this existential problem isn’t just to build a new stadium quickly and diversify income streams by turning AC Milan into a global entertainment company, as envisaged by Cardinale; but, crucially, to replace existing national leagues in Europe with a multi-divisional continental league modelled on existing national leagues. Only then will the severe TV rights revenue imbalance afflicting football in continental Europe be eliminated. Despite Brexit, Europe is now, for all practical purposes, a single, supranational entity, and its football industry’s arrangements need to reflect that to the maximum degree. All European clubs – both continental and EPL – will benefit financially from a multi-divisional European competition, one which projects an integrated, as opposed to a fragmented, football brand around the world. A final thought: Cardinale will be well advised that in his attempts to generate more revenue for AC Milan, he doesn’t destroy the club’s soul and identity. The Rossoneri must remain, at core, a distinctly Italian outfit, albeit with a world-wide reach and appeal; they’re not a fungible commodity with no local roots. Unceremoniously ditching Paolo Maldini – a hugely respected figure who through his and his father’s legendary exploits on the pitch evoked memories of AC Milan’s glory days – was an unwise move. Football is about being flexible and embracing change, but it’s also about rewarding loyalty and maintaining continuity.